UB Law Students Lend a Hand Over Spring Break

UB law student Kush Patel receives instruction on how to build a gravel pathway from Dave Landymore of the 6th Branch. Check out more photos from the Human Rights Alternative Spring Break Project at the UB School of Law's Facebook page.

Over spring break, a group of UB law students got together to help improve the quality of life for Baltimore residents, especially those in the neighborhoods around UB. As part of the Human Rights Alternative Spring Break Project, the law school team volunteered more than 325 hours toward several projects.

On Sunday, March 16, more than 50 law students, staff members and School of Law Dean Ronald Weich joined with the 6th Branch to clean up Ambrose Kennedy Park, which is only a few blocks from the University. In four hours, the volunteers completely transformed the park—building a path, creating green spaces where trees and shrubs will be planted, and helping to assemble a tire pyramid for kids to play on. A big thank you to Phi Delta Phi for co-sponsoring the event!

On March 18, more than 29 students and staff volunteered at several Baltimore City food pantries, including Our Daily Bread, the Helping Up Mission and the Maryland Food Bank, preparing, serving and packaging food for those in need. The organizations were impressed with the work ethic of the students and invited them to return.

The University of Baltimore Law Review co-sponsored the week's final event, a partnership with Baltimore's Safe & Sound Campaign, which works with recently released prisoners as they reenter society. Students and staff sat down with Safe & Sound's clients to review their resumes and to hold mock interviews. It was a rewarding experience for the students, and Safe & Sound and its clients much appreciated the help. The law school is now exploring a partnership that would allow students to regularly assist Safe & Sound clients.

For more information about the University of Baltimore School of Law's Human Rights Alternative Spring Break Project, contact Emily Rogers at erogers@ubalt.edu.